Conference of Defence Associations Institute

CDA Institute
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The CDA Institute's programming convenes experts in Canadian defence, international security, and politics to provide nuanced discussion about current and ongoing issues in defence and security. https://cdainstitute.ca/

  1. Canada Hits 2% Defence Spending: Substance or Symbolism?

    1D AGO

    Canada Hits 2% Defence Spending: Substance or Symbolism?

    On March 26, 2026, Canada reached the NATO defence spending target of two per cent of GDP for the first time in decades. The government achieved this after a late boost to defence funding, supported by internal reorganization and measures to strengthen the military. The milestone reflects Canada’s efforts to meet allied expectations and reinforce its defence capabilities. Today, Dr. Philippe Lagassé and Dr. Stephen Saideman analyze the significance of Canada reaching 2% of GDP on defence spending, exploring whether it materially enhances Canadian security, the future of NATO, and the challenges of achieving the next alliance target of 5%, building a domestic defence industrial base, trade-offs required for higher spending targets, and the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on the Canadian public’s increased interest in defence and whether that interest can be sustained. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

    32 min
  2. On the Sidelines of the 2026 Ottawa Conference with Dr. David Borys

    MAR 27

    On the Sidelines of the 2026 Ottawa Conference with Dr. David Borys

    On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we bring you a special recap recorded on the sidelines of the 2026 Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence - capturing timely reflections aligned with this year’s theme, “The Road to 5%.” As Canada signals a major shift in defence spending and strategic posture, this episode offers a snapshot of the conversations shaping thinking in real time across the defence and security community. Drawing on conversations with speakers throughout the event, this episode reflects on the broader tone and takeaways emerging from the conference floor - from the urgency of the current geopolitical moment to the growing recognition that Canada must adapt its approach to security, sovereignty, and resilience. Featuring insights from Jill E. Sinclair, Dr. Joakim Berndtsson, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, and Charlotte Duval-Lantoine. It highlights the value of forums like this in fostering dialogue, building cross-sector connections, and creating space for new ideas and partnerships to take shape. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

    56 min
  3. Carney Announces $35B Plan for Arctic Defence

    MAR 20

    Carney Announces $35B Plan for Arctic Defence

    As Canada seeks its security and operational capacity in the North, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced a $35-billion federal plan to expand defence capabilities and infrastructure across the Arctic and northern regions, including upgrades to military bases, new operational hubs, improved airports, and road construction projects. On today’s episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret’d) Michel Lalumiere, Dr. James Fergusson, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined us to discuss the significance of these investments, the distinction between Arctic development and defence spending, and what these initiatives mean for Canada’s Arctic security and northern communities. We unpack upgrades to northern forward operating locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, the role of infrastructure in Arctic defence, and the NORAD modernization and related capabilities. The panel also explores Canada–U.S. defence cooperation, the challenges of implementing ambitious projects amid cost pressures and community impacts, and the strategic implications of shifting threats from Russia and China for long-term Arctic defence policy. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

    55 min
  4. India and Canada Reset Ties with Increased Defence Cooperation

    MAR 16

    India and Canada Reset Ties with Increased Defence Cooperation

    As Canada seeks to strengthen its independence and resilience in a more uncertain world, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently embarked on a 10-day tour of the Indo-Pacific, meeting with leaders in India, Australia, and Japan. Today, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Rohinton Medhora, Vina Nadjibulla, and Mike Hughes joined us to discuss the strategic significance of Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Asia, the India-Canada "reset", the potential for deeper defence and economic ties with Indo-Pacific partners, and what Canada’s new approach to middle-power diplomacy could mean for its role in global security and trade. We unpack the “reset” of the Canada–India relationship, the announcement of multiple memorandums and initiatives in the joint statement, the establishment of a new Canada–India Defence Dialogue, and flagged cooperation on maritime security, highlighting India’s centrality to Canada’s efforts to diversify defence partnerships beyond the U.S. and Europe. The panel also discusses opportunities for deeper defence industrial partnerships, including leveraging Canada’s critical minerals to support India’s advanced technology needs, and the broader Indo-Pacific context, where Japan and Australia serve as strategic anchors for intelligence sharing, naval exercises, and economic security collaboration. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

    1 hr
  5. What is the endgame in Iran?

    MAR 5

    What is the endgame in Iran?

    On February 28, 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated, an event that shocked the region and raised significant questions about Iran’s operational security. While his death is undeniably significant, the Islamic Republic survives his assassination, though it emerges considerably weakened, particularly given prior leadership losses and ongoing military and infrastructure degradation. Dr. Thomas Juneau, professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, joined us to discuss the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, examining how he was targeted, the operational security failures that made it possible, and what his death means for Iran’s internal stability and the future of its nuclear program. He explores the broader escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the limits of support from allies like China and Russia, and the potential consequences for Iranian society if the regime falls. Finally, he addressed Canada’s diplomatic positioning, including Prime Minister Carney’s statements, balancing support for US actions with domestic and bilateral considerations, and the practical limits of Canada’s influence in the conflict. ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/ ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

    28 min
  6. Operationalizing the Defence Industrial Strategy: Can Canada Deliver?

    FEB 27

    Operationalizing the Defence Industrial Strategy: Can Canada Deliver?

    On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Executive Director Gaëlle Rivard Piché and CGAI President & CEO David Perry examine how Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy is redefining the relationship between strategic autonomy, economic prosperity, and national security.  They discuss the structural reforms and cultural shifts required to drive innovation, strengthen sovereign capabilities, and align economic growth with geopolitical realities.  This episode unpacks the implementation challenges, trade-offs, and policy signals that will determine whether the strategy moves from ambition to measurable impact.  The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

    45 min
  7. Unpacking Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy

    FEB 20

    Unpacking Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy

    On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we examine Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy and how it aims to reshape military readiness, domestic industrial capacity, and Canada’s position in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Andrew Leslie, and the Honourable Peter MacKay assess the strategy’s ambition, its proposed “Build–Partner–Buy” framework, and the creation of a new Defence Investment Agency.  They discuss long-standing procurement challenges, persistent capability gaps within the Canadian Armed Forces, and the realism of directing 70% of defence contracts to Canadian firms while remaining closely integrated with the United States and NATO supply chains.  This episode offers a candid evaluation of the opportunities and risks embedded in the strategy, underscoring the importance of effective implementation, economic resilience, and timely investment to ensure Canada can meet both its operational commitments and broader national security objectives.  The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

    59 min
  8. Wargaming in the Arctic

    FEB 13

    Wargaming in the Arctic

    On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we delve into the strategic complexities of Arctic security through the lens of wargaming. MGen (Ret’d) Dennis Thompson, creator of the game and Senior Mentor and Instructor at the Canadian Forces College, and Ven Adamov, Partner and Data Analytics Leader in KPMG’s Risk Services Practice, share their experiences and key takeaways while highlighting the geopolitical dynamics and military readiness challenges faced by Canada and its NATO allies.  They explore the strategic importance of the Northwest Passage, the role of pre-emptive strikes, and the impact of advanced technologies in modern warfare.  This episode delivers a focused analysis of the shifting Arctic security landscape, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation.  The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

    41 min
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The CDA Institute's programming convenes experts in Canadian defence, international security, and politics to provide nuanced discussion about current and ongoing issues in defence and security. https://cdainstitute.ca/

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